Speed Racer

[number8]

You guys seriously need to see this (http://www.justpressplay.net/movies/speed-racer/news/totally-bizarre-speed-racer-pics.html), so you can tell me what the fuck I am looking at.

[Duncan]

Neat.

[Sycophant]

Before, I was hesitant about this project. But I'll see any eye candy this pretty.

[Spinal]

I ...

... want to see this. :confused:


It was the monkey with arms akimbo that sealed the deal.

[origami_mustache]

I've always been a huge fan of Speed Racer. Embarrassingly enough I have the DVDs, a poster, and even a necktie I had as a kid. These screenshots are exciting, although I'm disappointed to see Christina Ricci. I don't expect it to be an epic masterpiece, in fact the cheesier the better; that was the whole attraction to the original series for me. I was also intrigued by the idea of cartoon characters dying violently in racing accidents. haha

[Winston*]

I'm disappointed to see Christina Ricci.
Why?

[number8]

I was also intrigued by the idea of cartoon characters dying violently in racing accidents. haha

I doubt it's gonna happen here, since the film is aiming for a G rating.

[Morris Schæffer]

This might be really cool in 3D. Any word on whether it will also be a 3D release?

[Dukefrukem]

so its a kids film?

[Rowland]

This looks like something Robert Rodriguez would do.

[D_Davis]

That looks really neat and snazzy.

[D_Davis]

It's strange. Over at Icine, everyone is talking about how shitty these look. I find this strange because usually these kinds of pop-things go over better with the Icine/Buffy crowd. But these pics seem to be getting a better reception here at Matchcut. Very odd.

[Ivan Drago]

Wow. :eek:

I'm actually looking forward to this now.

[Rowland]

It's strange. Over at Icine, everyone is talking about how shitty these look. I find this strange because usually these kinds of pop-things go over better with the Icine/Buffy crowd. But these pics seem to be getting a better reception here at Matchcut. Very odd.Well, I think the racetrack stuff looks terrible, like it's out of Mario Kart or something. But then, I assume that this is the point...?

[Sven]

Yeah. I don't think those look very good. It's an awful lot like F-Zero. I'll wait and see what's up.

[[ETM]]

It's strange. Over at Icine, everyone is talking about how shitty these look. I find this strange because usually these kinds of pop-things go over better with the Icine/Buffy crowd. But these pics seem to be getting a better reception here at Matchcut. Very odd.

Overgeneralizing. I dig the look. Doing it any other way would have been pointless.

[Spinal]

It's strange. Over at Icine, everyone is talking about how shitty these look. I find this strange because usually these kinds of pop-things go over better with the Icine/Buffy crowd. But these pics seem to be getting a better reception here at Matchcut. Very odd.

Clearly they did not see the monkey.

[D_Davis]

Clearly they did not see the monkey.

Well, yeah, clearly.

[monolith94]

It's strange. Over at Icine, everyone is talking about how shitty these look. I find this strange because usually these kinds of pop-things go over better with the Icine/Buffy crowd. But these pics seem to be getting a better reception here at Matchcut. Very odd.
Bizzaro!

http://www.cultofscottbakula.com/chosen_files/murphy_bakula3.gif

[Grouchy]

What's wrong with Christina Ricci?

The pics look trippy enough, and the races are gonna look like a live-action Nintendo game, but I gotta wait for a trailer before passing any judgement. Anyway, if it's gonna be violence-free, that's already one point against it.

[KK2.0]

Looks totally over the top, but i guess it's the best approach for this.

[MadMan]

The graphics look super freakin' cool. Awesome. I guess that would be one reason to see this film, although I probably will pass on it.

[Mal]

It looks like a lot of fun... bright, sugary fun.

(thanks for liking these, guys... everywhere else peeps are bashing them :( )

[Mal]

Heads Up : Trailer preview tonight on Entertainment Tonight.

(looooookkkkkssss sooooo sweeet)

[Ezee E]

Looks like Willy Wonka.

[Wryan]

They better provide some good drugs with every ticket purchased.

[Wryan]

A shitty link to the trailer was provided in AICN's talkback section.

Looks...........uh............ .no.

[Mr. Valentine]

yeah the ET trailer is up on youtube and the quality is shitty but damn it looks pretty amazing. i'm there.

[number8]

Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFyiL1jI5gs

Wonky. Totally fucking bonkers. Apparently there's kung fu involved.

[Sven]

That looks spectacularly awful.

[megladon8]

That looks spectacularly awful.


I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks so. I was kind of scared to say something because I thought maybe I just didn't "get it".

[Sycophant]

Well, that managed to rein my expectations right back in. :confused:

[D_Davis]

Well, that managed to rein my expectations right back in. :confused:

Yeah - it looked better in picture form.

I still totally dig how they do the action lines. Totally live action manga, so that part is cool.

But damn, the dialog! The acting! Wow...bad.

[Mr. Valentine]

apparently some people have never actually watched Speed Racer.

[Henry Gale]

HD (http://movies.aol.com/movie/speed-racer-2008/28066/main)!

[Sycophant]

apparently some people have never actually watched Speed Racer.This is true of me. I'd hate to think of the show that makes this look good to me.

[Wryan]

Just watched the HD version. I'm sure the special effects will be better in the final film, but how much better I dunno. As for the .... uh .... I don't know how to put this .... as for the Reverse Uncanny Valley Effect thing going on here, I dunno what to make of it. But it's not revving my engine much.

[megladon8]

At the most I could see this being harmless entertainment for pre-teens.

[Mr. Valentine]

At the most I could see this being harmless entertainment for pre-teens.

kind of like Superman Returns. :)

i just watched the HD trailer and i'm even more excited.

[Henry Gale]

Is this still supposed to be rated G?

'Cause I'm pretty sure I saw some gun play and kung fu goodness (for the youngins of course). Is that kind of stuff bad enough for even PG any more though?

[lovejuice]

HD (http://movies.aol.com/movie/speed-racer-2008/28066/main)!

the movie's actually quite pretty in HD. depend on how they're going with it. if they embrace the unrealistic special effect and aim for some tongue-in-cheek sensibility, the movie might work.

[MadMan]

To repeat my comments on Icine, the trailer makes this look like a combo of The Fast and the Furious movies and Torque on crack/LSD. Despite the terrible dialogue the cast + the monkey and the colorful visuals actually have me considering seeing this. I probably won't in the end but you never know....

[Sxottlan]

Oh I don't know about this.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised by the pseudo-religious-philosophical dialogue given the directors. But yeah, it looks like this was done by Robert Rodriguez.

I think I'm looking forward to Matthew Fox in this more than anything.

[Morris Schæffer]

Perhaps this was the correct approach in adapting the cartoon, but that's like saying Torque would have been less insane if it had been based on a toon. I don't know whether this is going to float my boat, but if they show it in 3D, it might be cool.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Yeah, my kids don't need any help acquiring ADD. We'll pass.

[MadMan]

Yeah, my kids don't need any help acquiring ADD. We'll pass.Come on KF, take 'em to the movie. Their school will probably improperly diagnose them with ADD anyways ;)

*Runs like hell*


As for the whole thing about the monkey, that must be a joke. The monkey looks like it will be the worst thing in this movie.

[lovejuice]

Perhaps this was the correct approach in adapting the cartoon...

that's actually why i want to give this movie a try.

edit: damn, i'm liking it even more and more each time i watch the trailer.

[Morris Schæffer]

Kinda odd that it doesn't say "from the directors of the Matrix."

Yeah, Revolutions wasn't really great, but I suppose I was expecting the marketing guys to go that route. Could it be that the brothers aren't really happy with the end result?

EDIT: It does. My bad.

[KK2.0]

Just watched the HD version. I'm sure the special effects will be better in the final film, but how much better I dunno.

To be honest, it's so stylized that realistic FX are in the bottom of my list of concerns, if those are finished, it's fine to me.

I'm worried if there's a fun movie under the lisergic visuals, Dick Tracy also looked all colorful and cool in it's cartoony visuals but it was ultimately dull.

[Spinal]

Still digging it. Looks like loads of fun. The plot is naturally going to be silly, but I like the look of the film.

[Spinal]

As for the whole thing about the monkey, that must be a joke. The monkey looks like it will be the worst thing in this movie.

:|

[KK2.0]

As for the whole thing about the monkey, that must be a joke. The monkey looks like it will be the worst thing in this movie.


:crazy:

[EvilShoe]

:|:)
Now this is something I can get behind.
(Unlike Repo)

[Ivan Drago]

Kinda odd that it doesn't say "from the directors of the Matrix."

Yeah, Revolutions wasn't really great, but I suppose I was expecting the marketing guys to go that route. Could it be that the brothers aren't really happy with the end result?

EDIT: It does. My bad.

Psst: They're not brothers. They're siblings.

[Grouchy]

What the hell was up with those guys with tommy guns in the trailer?

It looks weird as weird gets. I'll see it. I'll see it on IMAX on acid.

[megladon8]

What the hell was up with those guys with tommy guns in the trailer?

It looks weird as weird gets. I'll see it. I'll see it on IMAX on acid.


Now that could be entertaining.

Other than that, I have no interest.

[Watashi]

Man, I can't fucking wait.

[MadMan]

To be honest, it's so stylized that realistic FX are in the bottom of my list of concerns, if those are finished, it's fine to me.

I'm worried if there's a fun movie under the lisergic visuals, Dick Tracy also looked all colorful and cool in it's cartoony visuals but it was ultimately dull.What? Dick Tracy was a fun, entertaining movie with a great cast. Plus Dustin Hoffman was awesome and hilarious as Mumbles, Al Pacino actually had a reason to over act, and Warren Beatty was perfectly cast as Tracy, along with a really big cast, some of whom I couldn't recognize because of face makeup. Hell even Madonna didn't suck in it.


:|


:crazy:

Okay the jokes are up fellows. I know your kidding. Right?

*Sigh* Your not kidding. Oy :| You both know I'm right :P You'll see.....

YOU'LL SEE! *Shakes fist*



What the hell was up with those guys with tommy guns in the trailer?

It looks weird as weird gets. I'll see it. I'll see it on IMAX on acid.Whoa that sounds like an awesome idea :lol: Be sure to post about that experience here..."Grouchy Goes Gonzo" you could call it.

[monolith94]

I wasn't convinced by the stills, but the trailer has won me over. This looks like a camp blast. A real hoot.

[Wryan]

To be honest, it's so stylized that realistic FX are in the bottom of my list of concerns, if those are finished, it's fine to me.

I didn't say more realistic. I just said better. They look just plain unfinished, which of course they are. Like in the shot of the ballroom/whatever and all those ghostly cgi-ed people are walking through the room. Looks just awful.

[Rowland]

And you know, a movie can be highly stylized without looking like an Xbox game.

[origami_mustache]

Why?

I always liked Trixie's overly cutesy character, and I just don't find Ricci to be even remotely attractive.

[origami_mustache]

I doubt it's gonna happen here, since the film is aiming for a G rating.

The show was for kids too though. If they make it cartoony enough (not characterizing or even dehumanizing the drivers of the crashing cars), I think they could get away with it, although you are probably right.

[Sycophant]

Seeing this trailer on a big screen convinced me that I am so fucking there.

(Though I have some apprehensions, particularly in regards to casting, I'm game for 90 minutes of hyper-kinetic, candy-colored nuttiness.)

[Qrazy]

Looks like it's shaping up to be the worst movie ever made.

[Morris Schæffer]

new trailers:

http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/09/new-international-speed-racer-movie-trailers/#comment-231260

Well, it looks different from anything I've ever seen and there's something about the extravagant visuals that I find really appealing.

EDIT: But this will probably elicit the same reaction I had after seeing the likes of 300. That is to say, the end product may be faithful to the source, copious amounts of camp and pulp and whatnot, but it might probably work better in toon form.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Wow. No. No, no, no. Just... no.

[Watashi]

Yeah. I can't fucking wait for this.

[Rowland]

Sweeeeeet.

[lovejuice]

fuck wow! the first time ever that "looking like a video game" is a complement.

[KK2.0]

my eyes bleed with all the color, lights and motion.

epilepsy warning!

[dreamdead]

I will probably laugh at the dialogue. That said, yes please.

[Stay Puft]

fuck wow! the first time ever that "looking like a video game" is a complement.

A couple of the shots made me think of F-Zero. Fun game, that.

I'm down for this movie.

[D_Davis]

That looks awesome.

It reminds me of a crazy Miike or Kitamura flick.

I love the color. So many genre films these days use such drab colors, it's nice to see something vibrant.

[[ETM]]

Hell yes. I wish it was animated, too, but still - hell yes.

[EyesWideOpen]

I can't remember the last time i've been so excited for a movie to come out.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Who the hell is handing out the drugs around here???

And where can I get some?

[Spinal]

Who the hell is handing out the drugs around here???


You think you can make a post and change the world? It doesn't work like that!

[Watashi]

I hope the monkey does kung fu as well.

[lovejuice]

I hope the monkey does kung fu as well.

i want a mano e mano between kung fu monkey and kung fu racing car.

[monolith94]

With every new thing I see on this, I grow more and more interested. It looks like it'll be fun, a hoot!

[Kurosawa Fan]

You think you can make a post and change the world? It doesn't work like that!

*shakes head in dismay*

[megladon8]

That looks so terrible, I can't believe it's actually being released.

I'm with KF - what the hell is happening to you guys?

[MadMan]

Who the hell is handing out the drugs around here???

And where can I get some?Join us KF. Speed Racer. Its your destiny.

Hell yeahs this movie's gonna rock. It appears to be inspired craziness. Plus it has Matthew Fox from Lost. Playing a leather wearing badass. Cool.

[Sycophant]

I would never forgive myself for missing this in theaters. I'm so there.

[Rowland]

I would never forgive myself for missing this in theaters. I'm so there.I bet it'd look spectacular in an HD theater.

I was initially down about this movie, but all the colors and high spirits have won me over. The visual style frequently borders on abstraction, which I like.

[Sycophant]

I bet it'd look spectacular in an HD theater.A few pages back, I think mention seeing the most recent trailer digitally projected at a multiplex. It made me do a complete 180 on my then-opinion of the movie. I think this is one shining example of how the digital medium could provide a distinctly beneficial alternative to celluloid for certain projects.

[lovejuice]

I was initially down about this movie, but all the colors and high spirits have won me over.

and don't forget weed.

[MadMan]

and don't forget weed.Plus acid. Although this film appears to be a drug trip in itself.

[Wryan]

Looks alright. I can't get worked up over it either way, to be honest.

[Qrazy]

It looks absolutely awful. You've got to be kidding me. The drama, the characters, the dialogue, all transparently terrible. Even the sfx look stupid, the only thing I like even mildly about any of this is the city design. The siblings get some points for creativity there.

[Winston*]

I'm agree with the cool people. Kurosawa Fan is not a cool person.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I have truly lost touch.

[Skitch]

Looks like it's shaping up to be the worst movie ever made.

Yeah, that's reasonable. :rolleyes:

[Morris Schæffer]

I can't believe this isn't in 3D. If I had to side with someone, I'd side with K-Fan, but if this were a 3D release, it might actually make me switch sides. Yeah, the 3D in Beowulf really impressed me and I'd like to experience something similar again.

[Spinal]

The drama, the characters, the dialogue, all transparently terrible.

Looks to me like they've embraced thinly-drawn melodrama so that it doesn't slow down the eye candy. What sort of depth would really be appropriate for an adaptation of Speed Racer? I'm hoping that this will be fun in the same way that I find Shaolin Soccer to be fun. I'll still be able to get more substantial pleasures with other films.

[number8]

I wish all movies look like this.

Dancer in the Dark would be 10x better if it had Speed Racer's visuals.

[lovejuice]

Looks to me like they've embraced thinly-drawn melodrama so that it doesn't slow down the eye candy.

word. besides a terribly simple melodrama is hundred times better than a complicated pretension that sucks. look like the brothers learn a few lessons after the matrix sequels.

[Spinal]

word. besides a terribly simple melodrama is hundred times better than a complicated pretension that sucks. look like the brothers learn a few lessons after the matrix sequels.

It will be a Christ allegory. Speed will be the Messiah. Ricci will be Mary Magdalene. John Goodman is the Lord. The monkey will be Judas.

[lovejuice]

It will be a Christ allegory. Speed will be the Messiah. Ricci will be Mary Magdalene. John Goodman is the Lord. The monkey will be Judas.

:P
and moses?

[Spinal]

:P
and moses?

You will have to wait for the prequel.

[Qrazy]

Looks to me like they've embraced thinly-drawn melodrama so that it doesn't slow down the eye candy. What sort of depth would really be appropriate for an adaptation of Speed Racer? I'm hoping that this will be fun in the same way that I find Shaolin Soccer to be fun. I'll still be able to get more substantial pleasures with other films.

Shaolin Soccer is fun because it's funny, this doesn't look remotely funny.

[Qrazy]

Yeah, that's reasonable. :rolleyes:

Glad you're with me on this one.

[Watashi]

I think Qrazy just needs to embrace the psychadelic love.

[[ETM]]

I wish all movies look like this.

Dancer in the Dark would be 10x better if it had Speed Racer's visuals.

Word. And they had the easy way of doing it - show everything as it looks in a blind person's mind. There's gotta be some serious Speed Racing goin' on in there.

[Skitch]

Glad you're with me on this one.

Dude, I could care less if you hate the shit outta this flick, but worst movie ever? C'mon.

[[ETM]]

Dude, I could care less if you hate the shit outta this flick, but worst movie ever? C'mon.

People throw "worst movie ever" around too much these days.

[Qrazy]

Dude, I could care less if you hate the shit outta this flick, but worst movie ever? C'mon.

Hyperbole has it's place and that place is here.

[Qrazy]

I think Qrazy just needs to embrace the psychadelic love.

I've had some bad shroom trips before but nothing I saw was as terrifying as this film promises to be.

[Rowland]

Hey, I just discovered that Hiroyuki Sanada is in this. Kick-ass.

[Grouchy]

Speaking of drugs and shit, I reiterate - I'm definitively going to enjoy the Speed Racer experience on acid.


I wish all movies look like this.

Dancer in the Dark would be 10x better if it had Speed Racer's visuals.
The Wachowskis should remake some of Bergman's older stuff with racing and monkeys. Maybe Wild Strawberries.

[Stay Puft]

Hey, I just discovered that Hiroyuki Sanada is in this. Kick-ass.

Oh shit. Opening night.

[MadMan]

It will be a Christ allegory. Speed will be the Messiah. Ricci will be Mary Magdalene. John Goodman is the Lord. The monkey will be Judas.:lol: But why is the monkey Judas? :P

[Stay Puft]

http://ca.movies.yahoo.com/feature/speedracer.html?showVideo=1

New trailer.

[number8]

Goddamn, this movie looks amazing.

[Henry Gale]

http://ca.movies.yahoo.com/feature/speedracer.html?showVideo=1

New trailer.

Well, my biggest problem from the previous footage was with some of the effects, and now all the shots I remembered being concerned with before look much better in this new trailer.

So basically, I'm there opening day (if I wasn't already).

[Watashi]

Matthew Fox looks so over-the-top as Racer X.

I love it.

[Sxottlan]

Huh. That isn't at all the new trailer I saw for this last week before 10,000 B.C. Strange.

[Morris Schæffer]

The dialogue appears pretty bad in places, but then there's the gazillion colors, the awesomely over-the-top set design, cool cast and an overal sensation that the Wachowski's have indeed gone all out to embrace the pulpy origins of the source. I'm kinda warming up to Speed Racer at last for I must admit it is unlike anything I've ever seen....I think. VAVOOOOOOM!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dukefrukem]

cars that defy the laws of physics is almost as good as Neo defying laws of physics...

im also there...

[trotchky]

This looks neat; but then, I thought the same thing about Sin City and that ended up being one of the worst movies ever. So I guess I'll just have to see.

[MacGuffin]

This looks neat; but then, I thought the same thing about Sin City and that ended up being one of the worst movies ever. So I guess I'll just have to see.

When a movie is rated G, that usually means, 'Let's try to see how safe we can be!' Hey, that rhymes!

[Henry Gale]

New posters!

http://us.ent4.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/warner_brothers/speed_racer/speedracer_giant2ndposter.jpg

http://us.ent4.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/warner_brothers/speed_racer/speedracer_giantspeed.jpg

http://us.ent4.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/warner_brothers/speed_racer/speedracer_gianttrixie.jpg

http://us.ent4.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/warner_brothers/speed_racer/speedracer_giantracerx.jpg

[monolith94]

http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/speedracer/trailer4/large.html

curiouser and curiouser...

Also, this will be much better than the upcoming Escape From Witch Mountian sequel.

[Yxklyx]

It looks good but what have the Wachowskis done lately? It's been nearly 10 years since The Matrix came out and that's all they've done of worth. I think they just had one good movie in them. This will likely be mediocre at best.

[Spinal]

It looks good but what have the Wachowskis done lately? It's been nearly 10 years since The Matrix came out and that's all they've done of worth. I think they just had one good movie in them. This will likely be mediocre at best.

Bound?

[Rowland]

The special effects are coming along nicely. The story on the other hand is looking increasingly uninteresting.

[DavidSeven]

Watching the trailer in theaters is a different experience. It looks quite unbelievable. I think I want to see it.

[KK2.0]

Mammoth Car?! :eek:

[Watashi]

The entire score can be heard online here (http://www.rr.com/flash/index.cfm?rev=10332&division=279&startView=SPEEDRACERRR).

It's scored by Michael Giacchino (The Incredibles, Ratatouille).

It's awesome.

[[ETM]]

It's scored by Michael Giacchino (The Incredibles, Ratatouille).

He also scores LOST. Nice.

[Watashi]

;57665']He also scores LOST. Nice.
I know. I just listed his good stuff.

[SirNewt]

Any of you actually watch this as a kid? I remember thinking it kind of sucked then but it had this strange allure that kept me watching.

[origami_mustache]

Any of you actually watch this as a kid? I remember thinking it kind of sucked then but it had this strange allure that kept me watching.

Yeah, I have the dvds. I was enamored by the cheesiness of it all. Not really anticipating this though; sort of the same deal with Underdog. Loved the cartoon, but never even thought about going to see the film.

[[ETM]]

I know. I just listed his good stuff.

So did I. I like his LOST score.

[Watashi]

This negative review makes me want to see it more:

"I'm not sure if this will appeal to the older crowd as it does get a bit silly at times, especially when Speed's little brother Spritle and his monkey companion Chim-Chim are involved (I could have done without the monkey musical montage during the credits)... This movie doesn't exist in our universe but in a hyper-reality where the world is like a giant video game and race cars defy the laws of physics."

Monkey Musical Montage? Hell yes.

[Spinal]

monkey musical montage

:eek:

[Kurosawa Fan]

My son, who is obsessed with cars, is dying to see this. Guess I'll be going whether I like it or not.

[Grouchy]

Any of you actually watch this as a kid? I remember thinking it kind of sucked then but it had this strange allure that kept me watching.
I loved it.

[Doclop]

I liked it enough. It certainly has several moments where the humor feels too broad and specifically designed to cater to young children, but I think the majority of the film had a great, amazingly unique sensibility. The family is developed well, which makes the hyper-sweetness go down very smoothly. Some of the methods of storytelling were shockingly clever and smartly utilized. The entire set-up is an adrenaline rush of complicated storytelling bolstered by very useful action setpieces. Drags every now and then and as mentioned, a lot of the humor is painful, but it all has charm and a massive amount of creativity. So much so that its many flaws only detract moderately, leaving a film that is at once a crowd-pleaser and decidedly offbeat.

[Ivan Drago]

I know. I just listed his good stuff.

You didn't care for the Cloverfield overture? He did that, too.

[number8]

Saw this last night and I FREAKIN' LOVED IT.

Even more than Iron Man.

Indy IV = the short stick of May.

[Kurosawa Fan]

It's 140 minutes? Man. I really don't want to sit through that, but my son is too excited to pass it up.

[number8]

It's 140 minutes? Man. I really don't want to sit through that, but my son is too excited to pass it up.

Yeah, it's really really long. If it was like 30 minutes shorter, it would have been perfect, but I don't know what I would've cut out. Every single second of this movie was gold.

[Sycophant]

Awesome. I am seeing this Saturday and am so. Fucking. Pumped.

[Watashi]

Midnight, baby.

[Morris Schæffer]

I fear I'm going to loathe this. Looking forward to hearing more opinions.

[Watashi]

Nick Schager posted his review up at Slant. He didn't like it, but his opening paragraph is awesome and is exactly what I want.


Watching Speed Racer—a live-action remake of the 1960s Japanese cartoon about a gifted racecar driver, and the Wachowski Brothers' first directorial outing since The Matrix Revolutions—is comparable to dousing one's eyeballs in a sugary hyper-digitized Skittles soup. It's like being immersed in a kaleidoscopic pop-art LSD nightmare in which one's bounced around a pinball machine and assailed by an onslaught of electric smoke tendrils. It's similar to being miniaturized and transported into the classic SNES racing game F-Zero, except the camera keeps cutting away from synapse-frying pandemonium to reaction shots of a goofy monkey and a mustached John Goodman lumbering about in a red shirt and blue overalls like an overgrown Super Mario. Actually, it's akin to all of those experiences, if they simultaneously occurred while snorting Ritalin and sliding down a Lucky Charms rainbow at supersonic speeds. "Children, focus," cautions Racer X (Matthew Fox) as Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) and girlfriend Trixie (Christina Ricci) trade quips during a treacherous cross-country relay, a suggestion that this ADD-riddled film's young target audience will find virtually impossible to obey.

[Grouchy]

You see? It's a drug movie.

I already got all the acid we need on my drawer. As I said before, Saturday will either kill me or make me stronger. IMAX, baby.

[number8]

That is a fantastic paragraph. That describes it perfectly.

But sucky, because I'm writing mine now, and I have something similar. Now I have to approach it differently.

[number8]

http://www.justpressplay.net/movies/speed-racer/review/

[Qrazy]

http://www.justpressplay.net/movies/speed-racer/review/

What does your bilingualism have to do with anything? For shame. Almost as bad as Rowland's girlfriend references.

[Ezee E]

What does your bilingualism have to do with anything? For shame. Almost as bad as Rowland's girlfriend references.
Nah. Not even close.

[Grouchy]

It looks like I'm gonna have to pospone the Fear and Loathing in IMAX experience until next weekend.

Man, I can't fucking wait. I stopped reading number8's review when I decided I don't wanna be spoiled anything. I just want to be raped by a bubblegum. I might have to destroy my eyeballs after the movie.

[number8]

Though I appreciate people reading my reviews, I think for this film there are no better way to decide on seeing than to watch the first 7 minutes in HD (http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/speedracer.html?showVideo=1).

[Grouchy]

Though I appreciate people reading my reviews, I think for this film there are no better way to decide on seeing than to watch the first 7 minutes in HD (http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/speedracer.html?showVideo=1).
Holy moley.

I feel like I spoiled myself something, but I also feel absolutely certain that there's no way in hell I'm not in for a fucking ride. And very close to my birthday, so it'll be kind of a self-present.

[megladon8]

Eh...I must be the voice of dissent here.

That was pretty horrible, and I didn't find it exciting or thrilling in the least.

And 2+ hours of that garish art design would give me a headache.

Unless my friends drag me to it, I think I'll pass.

[Boner M]

Yeah, I'm kinda baffled that anyone thinks this looks good.

[Yum-Yum]

Midnight, baby.

Tuesday 9:45PM, baby.


Yeah, I'm kinda baffled that anyone thinks this looks good.

Christina Ricci wears a pink tank-top.

[Watashi]

Yeah.... this was incredible.

So much monkey.

[Watashi]

I don't understand how you can't like the look of this film. It's an absolute crayola attack of your sense. I felt like I had hot eyeball sex with this film when it was over.

Yeah, the dialogue is so over-the-top and corny, but it's clear what the audience for this film is and that's children. I also admired how the Wachowski's mixed our history into Speed's alternate universe so despite all the flashy green screen, it still felt somewhat grounded in a dreamlike dimension.

[Winston*]

I kind of want to see this but I really don't like getting things in my eyes.

[Dukefrukem]

http://www.justpressplay.net/movies/speed-racer/review/

I really liked this line here;
The Wachowskis didn't bring an anime to life. What they did was throw the audience into an anime.

I think thats a fabulous way to get me to see this movie and I feel the counter review by Lex, completely misses this point...


Flashing lights and pretty colors alone have failed to entertain me since I turned 7.

[Morris Schæffer]

This is the only thing about that review, which was nicely written btw, that still makes me hopeful:


The result is unlike anything that anyone had ever seen before.

[Rowland]

I have to admit that some of the reviews for this have me more than a bit worried. To be on the safe side, I think I'll see it alone, in case the person I go with hates it.


What does your bilingualism have to do with anything? For shame. Almost as bad as Rowland's girlfriend references.
Nah. Not even close.*sob* Never again...

[Watashi]

There's a scene of Chim-Chim doing kung-fu.

That's at least 3 stars right there from Spinal.

[monolith94]

Can we move this thread out of upcoming films, please?

This movie was great. Not perfect, but great. It's humorous, passionate, and intensely honed. The little touches were great.

Bribing viking racers with a chest full of furs??? If that doesn't hit your funny bone, you might be dead.

Also, I really enjoyed Roger Allam as Royalton – a deliciously OTT villain performance.

I genuinely cared for Speed Racer: he's a likable guy, and it's all held together by the solid acting of Sarandon and Goodman. You get a sense of deep empathy from them.

The camerawork, of course, is completely off the wall. I was amazed at the clean, smooth lines of the action, and the kaleidoscopic, hallucinogenic quality of some of the visuals.

[Sxottlan]

I don't understand how you can't like the look of this film. It's an absolute crayola attack of your senses.

Maybe you understand it better than you realize.

And I say that as someone who does plan on seeing it either way.

[monolith94]

What amazes me about this film is, I'll read a review for it and I'll agree with what they say about this film's nature, and then the reviewer will go on to give it a poor rating. I guess it's a matter of taste, then. This is off the wall, eighties-style filmmaking, where realism is thrown out the window and a sense of the unbridledly exotic enters. Even the film's depiction of school life is exotic, with a sky of super-blue and super-white clouds. Consider how long and hard they labored to get those clouds just right. Just think of that.

This is not the sort of movie you want to watch on your iphone.

[megladon8]

This movie looks so garrish, 300 looks down-to-earth and subtle when compared.

I just don't get it.

[monolith94]

It's a psychedelic garishness which I find pleasing. I can't comment on 300, having not seen it.

[megladon8]

It's a psychedelic garishness which I find pleasing. I can't comment on 300, having not seen it.


I've seen plenty of stuff that psychadelically garish, and this just looks like too much.

Danger: Diabolik! did this well.


And like I said earlier, I don't find the race sequences exciting at all. So it's pretty pointless for me to see it, I guess.

[number8]

The thought of this being compared to 300 hurts my soul.

[Watashi]

I'm seeing this again tonight.

[monolith94]

Well, meg I'm not going to try to goad you into seeing the thing, but I don't think it's right for you judge all of the race sequences based just on what you've seen through either the first eight minutes that were released over the internet or through the trailers, on a small screen no less. The film was meant to be seen, and judged, in a big theater, which is where it really shines. Is it really worth your time to beat up on this film though, which you admittedly won't be seeing?

[number8]

I don't even want to convince people to see it. I'm perfectly fine with the idea of this movie being made solely for my enjoyment and mine alone.

[Watashi]

Hey Ary, if you hate Chaw already, you'll really hate him after reading this review (http://www.filmfreakcentral.net/screenreviews/speedracer.htm).

[monolith94]

And that douchebag nails TRON in the very same review. Walter Chaw? More like Walter Chump.

[megladon8]

Well, meg I'm not going to try to goad you into seeing the thing, but I don't think it's right for you judge all of the race sequences based just on what you've seen through either the first eight minutes that were released over the internet or through the trailers, on a small screen no less. The film was meant to be seen, and judged, in a big theater, which is where it really shines. Is it really worth your time to beat up on this film though, which you admittedly won't be seeing?

:) You make it sound like I'm some troll intent on beating up the movie to ruin others' enjoyment of it.

I said my piece - I am not too interested.

I'm glad others are loving it.

I think another knock against it (or me?) is that I never watched the show. To this day I've never seen an episode, let alone grew up watching it.

Anyways, maybe you're right it's unfair to judge it on a small screen. But it's just not on I'm rushing out to see.

[monolith94]

:) You make it sound like I'm some troll intent on beating up the movie to ruin others' enjoyment of it.

What. You mean you're not? ;)


I'm glad others are loving it.


Not as glad as I am…

[Thirdmango]

I loved this movie, of course I had already decided I would probably love the movie before I watched it, but still I loved it. Very visually stimulating. I need to make sure and see it one more time in the theaters.

Plus it has Ben Miles in it!

[Watashi]

I need to know Spinal's thoughts.

[eternity]

Consider me blown away from what can only be called the 100 million dollar arthouse film. That really was something completely ballsy that proved that the Wachowski's got something. The Matrix sequels were...misguided, sure, but this was a return to form that may even be more revolutionary, at least in my mind, than the film that really put them on the map.

The 35% T-Meter is frankly shocking. Usually my soon-to-be-divisize opinions tend to sway toward the certified fresh.

94/100

[transmogrifier]

I'll be seeing this tomorrow. The wife needs to see Rain. I'm going to get drunk beforehand.

[Boner M]

I'm still not convinced that this is even worth being paid to see. The multi-colored puddle of upchuck I saw on the bus trip home last night was like nothing else I'd ever seen, too.

FWIW, what do the SR fans think of Moulin Rouge?

[Watashi]

I'm still not convinced that this is even worth being paid to see. The multi-colored puddle of upchuck I saw on the bus trip home last night was like nothing else I'd ever seen, too.

FWIW, what do the SR fans think of Moulin Rouge?

Two completely different movies.

Speed Racer is to Andy Warhol as Tron is to German Expressionism, but add a monkey.

[Boner M]

Speed Racer is to Andy Warhol as Tron is to German Expressionism, but add a monkey.
I can't read this sentence.

[Watashi]

I can't read this sentence.
What's not to get?

[dreamdead]

On the IMAX this is pure fun, though the narrative is restrained by its PGness. Mostly it's breathtaking for the visual orgasm the Wachowski Brothers level at the viewer for the duration of the film. Some of the color schemes get old, but it's largely a barrage for the eyes. It's not a great film, but in terms of celebrating the visual nature of cinema, this is as fine an example as we're likely to see this summer until WallE.

Interesting that this marks the first time I can remember a post-1987 PG-film featuring the middle finger.

[Boner M]

What's not to get?
I get that you're trying to say Speed Racer is a pop art film or something, but what does Tron have to do with German Expressionism?

[Watashi]

I get that you're trying to say Speed Racer is a pop art film or something, but what does Tron have to do with German Expressionism?
http://match-cut.org/showpost.php?p=42502&postcount=46

[Boner M]

http://match-cut.org/showpost.php?p=42502&postcount=46
'Kay, I see. Haven't seen Tron since I was a wee one, but I can't remember there being anything particularly expressionistic about it.

Anyway, I guess the unanimous praise here means I'll have to see it; I'll either dig it like the rest of you or hate it enough to engage in a debate. Win-win.

[megladon8]

OK, so I've said twice that I didn't like that 7-minute clip, but you know what I did like there?

That simple, perfectly framed shot of Emile Hirsch sitting on the bench in front of lockers, shaking his leg nervously.

I thought that had more tension and drama than the actual race that was shown.

[number8]

To be dazzled by Speed Racer’s look is to be an ADD consumer. It has Thunderbird’s yellows; Cat in the Hat’s storybook skies; the synthetic surfaces of The Incredibles; Dick Tracy’s artificial color fields; the unreal, mechanical brightness of Pixar’s Cars; and the extravagance of the last three Star Wars prequels. None of this over-stimulation rivals the robust human touch of Joseph Kahn’s underrated Torque.

Armond White = Friend of Match-Cut

[eternity]

I don't want to be the buzzkill, but is the Torque love here a Match-Cut inside joke, or is it genuine?

[Horbgorbler]

Huh. That actually didn't suck very much at all. I'm confused.

Also, how adorable was Christina Ricci?

[eternity]

Huh. That actually didn't suck very much at all. I'm confused.

Also, how adorable was Christina Ricci?
Her outfits provoked thoughts from me that I never should get in a PG-rated movie. I mean, how fucking revealing were those?

She's hot beyond comprehension.

[number8]

Speaking of the rating, I don't remember the last time we had a PG movie with the word "shit" in it.

[eternity]

Speaking of the rating, I don't remember the last time we had a PG movie with the word "shit" in it.It's really funny how this was going to be a G-rated movie, ended up being a PG rated movie, and did things that could have potentially made it a PG-13 rated movie.

This movie has really made me appreciate the Wachowski's a lot more. Always pushing any boundary they can.

[Ezee E]

I thought people loved Chaw a few months ago. Glad to see its changing.

That's it though. Wats and Ary have gotten me interested. I'm seeing this on Tuesday on a Digital screen.

[Sycophant]

Wish I'd seen it digital instead of film. But I had a blast with it, and really found it rather compelling. Could have done without the last and only fourth wall-breaking interjection, but ultimately it ended up actually better than I'd expected or hoped for.

[Sycophant]

By the way, any word on how it's performing? There was hardly anyone in my 5:00 Saturday matinee screening.

[EyesWideOpen]

Saw it in IMAX tonight, pure awesomeness.

[Sxottlan]

By the way, any word on how it's performing?

Not well. At the least, disappointing (http://boxofficemojo.com/daily/chart/?sortdate=2008-05-09&p=.htm). It should only make about $17 million for the weekend and is trailing Ashton Kutcher.

[Rowland]

Hey Ary, if you hate Chaw already, you'll really hate him after reading this review (http://www.filmfreakcentral.net/screenreviews/speedracer.htm).This movie has made him lose the will to live? Aww, poor Chaw. :lol:
I don't want to be the buzzkill, but is the Torque love here a Match-Cut inside joke, or is it genuine?Quite serious. Torque is a more imaginatively and skillfully rendered entertainment than many more reputable movies. I'm sure Chaw would have given it zero stars, bless his curmudgeonly heart.

[transmogrifier]

It's......okay.

[Morris Schæffer]

Torque is a more imaginatively and skillfully rendered entertainment than many more reputable movies. I'm sure Chaw would have given it zero stars, bless his curmudgeonly heart.

Lol. Some of you guys need to go find your marbles.:P

[Rowland]

Lol. Some of you guys need to go find your marbles.:PI'm pretty much with you on Iron Man, at least. Torque is better. ;)

[Raiders]

Match Cut, what the hell is wrong with you?

[Rowland]

Match Cut, what the hell is wrong with you?Too many videogames?

[Bosco B Thug]

Too long, there's faaaar too much use of the wipe (I mostly mean during the races when the movie should just let us watch the freakin race), and, most debilitating, the movie didn't know when to slow down and let the story tell itself - instead there are numerous instances where the film chops events up and splices them together in weird non-chronology, for unknown reasons that don't support dramatic involvement.

I admired the more inspired sequences, though, and generally enjoyed it.

[lovejuice]

haven't heard anything from grouchy and spinal yet. seem like the acid/speed racer experience doesn't make grouchy stronger.

[Silencio]

Wasn't a fan. The film doesn't really pick up until the Crucible race begins and even then it's just an episodic mindfuck of vivacious colours and emotionally flat inspirational conversations. It honestly felt like one or the other for about the final 90 minutes of the film. It's also so obviously aware of its one-dimensionality and bluntness that it sets itself up for polarization - you'll either love it or hate it. I'm obviously in the latter camp. There just isn't much there for me to take interest in.

The race sequences are fleetingly entertaining (though the Crucible exhausted so much of the flair and originality that the final race paled in comparison) but there's this visual detachedness to this aesthetic that always kept me from feeling like I was part of the race - the opposite of which the Wachowskis intended. And when the brothers aren't attacking our retinas, they cheaply go for our hearts. The plot, themes and characters are just too simplistic and easily drawn; apparently intended for the minor members of the audience who during my near-empty screening, wanted to go home on more than one occasion. I don't blame them.

If this is what the Wachowskis intended, then I'm glad some people are able to enjoy it, but to me, it was little more than sporadic entertainment making up for a lack in originality with unique visual techniques.

[Scar]

Blockbuster rental and six pack of Schlitz.

[Watashi]

Saw it again.

Yep... this is slowly becoming one of my new favorite movies.

[megladon8]

Blockbuster rental and six pack of Schlitz.


Bingo.

Can I come?

[Scar]

Bingo.

Can I come?

You might want to save the bus fare for visiting someone else.....

[eternity]

Saw it again.

Yep... this is slowly becoming one of my new favorite movies.I just can't quit you, can I.

[Grouchy]

haven't heard anything from grouchy and spinal yet. seem like the acid/speed racer experience doesn't make grouchy stronger.
Next Sunday. School work got in the way, and my friends had other problems too.

[monolith94]

Match Cut, what the hell is wrong with you?

:|

http://www.filmsfolded.com/movie.php?movieid=811080

[monolith94]

Hey raiders, since you're an admin, could you whisk this thread over to the general film discussion board with all the speed of Speed in his T-180 at the grand prix?

[Dukefrukem]

I don't even want to convince people to see it. I'm perfectly fine with the idea of this movie being made solely for my enjoyment and mine alone.

It's too bad the studio doesn't feel this way. WHAT A DISASTER! 'SPEED RACER'' $20M (http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/what-a-disaster-speed-racer-20m-weekend-half-what-warner-bros-hoped-overseas-take-dismal-too/)

btw, when is this thread gonna get moved?

[Dukefrukem]

This movie has made him lose the will to live? Aww, poor Chaw. :lol:Quite serious. Torque is a more imaginatively and skillfully rendered entertainment than many more reputable movies. I'm sure Chaw would have given it zero stars, bless his curmudgeonly heart.

From what I can remember Torque is the movie most of us compare to when we think of campy-pseudo-fun-crap. Hence it being somewhat of an inside joke.

[Ezee E]

From what I can remember Torque is the movie most of us compare to when we think of campy-pseudo-fun-crap. Hence it being somewhat of an inside joke.
Uh, no.

[Dukefrukem]

Uh, no.

I was kidding. Relax. Torque rules. :rolleyes:

[Raiders]

http://www.filmsfolded.com/movie.php?movieid=811080

So, this is a good film because the visuals are so overloaded they present a "choose your own adventure" game in which my mind will pick which part of the screen I wish to focus and thus my experience will be slightly different from someone else's whose mind chose to go to a different part? Interesting, but not very convincing. I prefer the visual to have meaning as opposed to be so overloaded with noise that I can only comprehend a portion of it. What skill is there in essentially throwing so much color and motion together that the result is both disorienting and completely unmoving. Every monkey reaction shot and every character moment is so hopelessly thrown in it feels almost like an avant-garde piece akin to Bunuel's un chien andalou where nothing actually coheres into a larger film. But where Bunuel's images strike both horror, beauty and a sense of the filmmaker's fears and feelings, this is nothing but a hyper-processed piece of white noise. The weightlessness of the action is very much on par with the fact that the Wachowskis haven't actually made a film as much as an excuse to give all epileptics an instant seizure. This film proves more than almost any other that having bounds is a good thing and that if you don't know when to say "when," you might want to start with developing characters and plot, therefore when your overload becomes unmanageable, you can always fall back on something concrete instead of aimless inanity.

[Sycophant]

The film's critical and box office performance make me weep.

[Sven]

Tedg is a lame.

[Watashi]

Tedg is a lame.
I agree, but still... good movie.

I see you digging it.

[EyesWideOpen]

I was pretty saddened to see this morning that the Taco Bell font movie almost made more money then this.

[number8]

I was pretty saddened to see this morning that the Taco Bell font movie almost made more money then this.

I actually have no idea what you're referring to. Made of Honor has the Taco Bell font?

[EyesWideOpen]

I actually have no idea what you're referring to. Made of Honor has the Taco Bell font?

What Happens in Vegas

[monolith94]

So, this is a good film because the visuals are so overloaded they present a "choose your own adventure" game in which my mind will pick which part of the screen I wish to focus and thus my experience will be slightly different from someone else's whose mind chose to go to a different part? Interesting, but not very convincing. I prefer the visual to have meaning as opposed to be so overloaded with noise that I can only comprehend a portion of it. What skill is there in essentially throwing so much color and motion together that the result is both disorienting and completely unmoving. Every monkey reaction shot and every character moment is so hopelessly thrown in it feels almost like an avant-garde piece akin to Bunuel's un chien andalou where nothing actually coheres into a larger film. But where Bunuel's images strike both horror, beauty and a sense of the filmmaker's fears and feelings, this is nothing but a hyper-processed piece of white noise. The weightlessness of the action is very much on par with the fact that the Wachowskis haven't actually made a film as much as an excuse to give all epileptics an instant seizure. This film proves more than almost any other that having bounds is a good thing and that if you don't know when to say "when," you might want to start with developing characters and plot, therefore when your overload becomes unmanageable, you can always fall back on something concrete instead of aimless inanity.
Frankly, I think that visually un chien andalou pales in comparison to Speed Racer visually, which is not "white noise" visually. The vision has a purpose: it is an appropriation of Japanese themes and styles. For example, there's an overhead shot of a car racing over a track, with the track a deep, rich, red with black japanese (chinese?) characters written on the track. I found that beautiful. Similarly beautiful was the segment near the beginning where Speed imagines himself racing, which is given anime-style special effects. Watashi's allusion to pop-art was correct, but I'd say this is closer to Lichtenstein than Warhol.

I disagree with tedg on some, perhaps many instances, but to dismiss the man's film project/odyssey with a throwaway "lame" doesn't do him justice, I think.

[dreamdead]

This is for Wats (http://sergioleoneifr.blogspot.com/2008/05/days-of-speed-racer.html).
It approaches the film with an, albeit subjective, interesting take. One that I largely agree with on its study of the film's merits.

[Ezee E]

All images aside, the movie never quite has an exhilirating scene, and even becomes a bit too talky in my mind.

An enjoyable experience for sure, just not greatness.

[Teecee]

Liked it after one viewing, love it after two.

It might be the most visually audacious -- and spectacular -- movie I've seen since Hero five years ago; the aforementioned shot of the Mach 5 sliding across a red-and-black logo on the Grand Prix track is one of many that took my breath away. Also, contrary to many detractors, I found the use of wipes and such editing to actually enhance the fluidity of the action scenes.

As a lifelong gearhead, I was also overjoyed to see someone put into words what all true racing fans believe -- that racing is a sport and an art, and has appeal beyond fiery crashes and sponsorship spectacles.

Certainly my favorite film so far in '08.

[Sycophant]

Certainly my favorite film so far in '08.
Agreed, and I can see a good chance of it hanging in my tops throughout the year, if not longer. And I don't even like racing!

[Grouchy]

One thing I never get about racing fans is going to the tracks to watch it live. That doesn't make an ounce of sense. You're basically standing there, cheering, when ZOOOOOOOM! A car goes breaking the sound barrier. Then another, another... Then you're stuck there for twenty minutes until the next time you see them, watching an empty-ass route. Meanwhile, you watch the race on a screen, same as in your home.

[Raiders]

One thing I never get about racing fans is going to the tracks to watch it live. That doesn't make an ounce of sense. You're basically standing there, cheering, when ZOOOOOOOM! A car goes breaking the sound barrier. Then another, another... Then you're stuck there for twenty minutes until the next time you see them, watching an empty-ass route. Meanwhile, you watch the race on a screen, same as in your home.

Some racing may work like this, but I have been to a few NASCAR races, and unless the track is over 1.5 miles or so, you can see the majority of the track and after a few laps, the cars become spread out over the whole track.

[Ezee E]

Some racing may work like this, but I have been to a few NASCAR races, and unless the track is over 1.5 miles or so, you can see the majority of the track and after a few laps, the cars become spread out over the whole track.
I don't care for Nascar, but I assume that it's like going to any other sporting event in that the atmosphere makes it fun enough. Plus, I think before and after the races you can see the cars getting ready, the pit crews, etc.

[Grouchy]

Some racing may work like this, but I have been to a few NASCAR races, and unless the track is over 1.5 miles or so, you can see the majority of the track and after a few laps, the cars become spread out over the whole track.
Ok. I guess it depends on where you're sitting, too.

[Thirdmango]

Also in terms of going to Nascar, I've never been but from talking to people who have, the thing which is cool about it, is you can get headphones which have a whole hell of a lot of different channels, so you can listen to any commentator, you can listen to the radio between your favorite driver and their pit crew, and all that sort of stuff. So in that sense I think it'd be awesome.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I went into this fully expecting to hate it, as I expressed from the first trailer. I was going to come in here and join Raiders as the voice of reason. I was fully prepared to ridicule all of you for getting caught up in Match Cut hype, for not thinking clearly, and for giving the film far more credit than it deserves.

I liked it. I really liked it. It was fun, it was exciting, it was crazy, it was ridiculous, it was funny, it was everything that you guys thought it would be from the trailer. I don't know why I didn't recognize its potential, but I'm here to admit that I was wrong, and that Raiders is the one who is nuts. In this case, Match Cut is the voice of reason and the critics missed on this one.

Oh, and my son loved it. He was upset with himself when he had to leave the theater for a pee break. He literally ran to the bathroom and then ran back to the theater. The manager (and my good friend) gave him the movie poster, which now hangs proudly on his wall. He couldn't stop talking about the monkey. The whole night. He was laughing hysterically in the theater at just about everything that monkey did, and was still laughing today. As I was driving him to school this morning, he kept recalling parts of the races. I haven't seen him this excited about a movie before. He wanted to take the money in his bank and go buy the DVD, and was crushed when I told him it would be a few months before it was released.

Maybe I just got caught up in his excitement and his enjoyment (I stole glances at him frequently during the races, and his eyes have never been wider). But I don't think so. I think I would have enjoyed this regardless.

[Sven]

Damn it, KF, you've convinced me. I will see it.

But probably not for a week or so. Finals. Bah. Although I am stealing away to the Walter Reade tomorrow for a theatrical screening of Nausicaa and I'm very very excited.

[Cherish]

Oh, and my son loved it. He was upset with himself when he had to leave the theater for a pee break. He literally ran to the bathroom and then ran back to the theater. The manager (and my good friend) gave him the movie poster, which now hangs proudly on his wall. He couldn't stop talking about the monkey. The whole night. He was laughing hysterically in the theater at just about everything that monkey did, and was still laughing today. As I was driving him to school this morning, he kept recalling parts of the races. I haven't seen him this excited about a movie before. He wanted to take the money in his bank and go buy the DVD, and was crushed when I told him it would be a few months before it was released.

This is great! How old is your son? Mine is 9, and he liked the movie quite a bit, but it was bittersweet. He came out of the theater sad that Racer X didn't tell his family the truth. That's what he was asking questions about the next morning. Still, we had a great time in the theater.

[Kurosawa Fan]

My son is 6. The politics went over his head, and I think he was a bit confused by the Racer X part. The theater was huge, and there were only two other people in there (sitting far from us), so I was able to quietly explain a few things as it went along.

iosos, be warned by my last paragraph. It's entirely possible that I just fell in love with how much my son was enjoying things, and he influenced my opinion. Still, I do think I would have enjoyed it regardless. It's definitely worth a viewing, even if you end up hating it. It's a film that needs to be seen on the big screen if you're going to succumb and watch it eventually anyway.

[Cherish]

My son is 6. The politics went over his head, and I think he was a bit confused by the Racer X part. The theater was huge, and there were only two other people in there (sitting far from us), so I was able to quietly explain a few things as it went along.

iosos, be warned by my last paragraph. It's entirely possible that I just fell in love with how much my son was enjoying things, and he influenced my opinion. Still, I do think I would have enjoyed it regardless. It's definitely worth a viewing, even if you end up hating it. It's a film that needs to be seen on the big screen if you're going to succumb and watch it eventually anyway.


Yeah, I was explaining throughout, also. (Kids today just don't understand the stock market! Don't they learn anything in school? ;)) If anything, I suspect I would have enjoyed the movie more, if I'd seen it alone. I would have liked to just relax and enjoy the ride...

[monolith94]

Oh, and my son loved it. He was upset with himself when he had to leave the theater for a pee break. He literally ran to the bathroom and then ran back to the theater.


Heh, your son and myself have something in common!

[Raiders]

Madness. Pure madness.

[Philosophe_rouge]

Maybe I'm not touch with my inner child but I could not invest myself in this beyond a purely superficial level. I can't say I was ever bored, which is a major plus, and puts the film as a mild success in my books but there were many eye rolling moments and absolutely no emotional attachment. I never grew up with blockblusters, and even as a kid I'm not sure I would have been won over by the film. The visuals are incredible though, almost awe-inspiring. It's honestly worth recommending for that alone, a theatre is a must... As incredible as they are though, I have a difficult time mustering up any excitement over racing or cars, even when so clearly removed from reality as this.